U.S. patent number 9,308,796 [Application Number 13/755,892] was granted by the patent office on 2016-04-12 for gas spring assembly and method of adjustment.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Firestone Industrial Products Company, LLC. The grantee listed for this patent is Joshua R. Leonard. Invention is credited to Joshua R. Leonard.
United States Patent |
9,308,796 |
Leonard |
April 12, 2016 |
Gas spring assembly and method of adjustment
Abstract
A gas spring assembly that is displaceable between an extended
condition and a compressed condition can include a first end
member, a second end member, a flexible wall secured between the
first and second end members, a spring chamber and a
volume-displacing body disposed within the spring chamber. The body
can be supported along one of the flexible wall and the first end
member such that the body remains in spaced relation to at least
the second end member in a compressed condition of the gas spring
assembly. A method of adjusting a gas spring assembly is also
included.
Inventors: |
Leonard; Joshua R.
(Noblesville, IN) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Leonard; Joshua R. |
Noblesville |
IN |
US |
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Assignee: |
Firestone Industrial Products
Company, LLC (Indianapolis, IN)
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Family
ID: |
48868975 |
Appl.
No.: |
13/755,892 |
Filed: |
January 31, 2013 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20130192067 A1 |
Aug 1, 2013 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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61592693 |
Jan 31, 2012 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60G
15/12 (20130101); B60G 11/27 (20130101); F16F
9/05 (20130101); Y10T 29/49609 (20150115); B60G
2202/152 (20130101); B60G 2204/126 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
F16F
9/04 (20060101); B60G 15/12 (20060101); F16F
9/05 (20060101); B60G 11/27 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;267/64.27,64.19,64.21,64.24 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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103 19 670 |
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Feb 2004 |
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DE |
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0 529 486 |
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Mar 1993 |
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EP |
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Other References
Translation of EP 0 529 486. cited by applicant .
Translation of DE 103 19 670. cited by applicant.
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Primary Examiner: Rodriguez; Pamela
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Houser; Jason A. Fay Sharpe LLP
Claims
The invention claimed is:
1. A gas spring assembly displaceable between an extended condition
and a compressed condition, said gas spring assembly comprising: a
first end member including an opening extending therethrough with
said opening having a cross-sectional dimension; a second end
member spaced from said first end member such that a longitudinal
axis extends therebetween; a flexible wall secured between said
first and second end members and at least partially defining a
spring chamber; a support wall secured along said second end member
and at least partially defining a cavity; and, a volume-displacing
body disposed within said spring chamber and at least partially
within said cavity such that said volume-displacing body is secured
to said second end member and such that said volume-displacing body
remains in spaced relation to said first end member in a compressed
condition of said gas spring assembly, said volume-displacing body
being at least partially formed from a flowable polymeric material
introduced into said spring chamber through said opening in said
first end member such that in a cured condition said
volume-displacing body has a cross-sectional dimension that is
greater than said cross-sectional dimension of said opening.
2. A gas spring assembly according to claim 1, wherein said
volume-displacing body is a first volume-displacing body, and said
gas spring assembly further comprises a second volume-displacing
body secured along said flexible wall.
3. A gas spring assembly according to claim 2, wherein said support
wall is a first support wall, and said gas spring assembly further
comprises a second support wall secured to said flexible wall with
said second volume-displacing body disposed in abutting engagement
with at least one of said second support wall and said flexible
wall.
4. A gas spring assembly according to claim 1, wherein said second
end member includes a wall that at least partially defines an end
member chamber, and at least a portion of said first
volume-displacing body is disposed within said end member
chamber.
5. A gas spring assembly according to claim 4, wherein said wall of
said second end member is an outer side wall extending
longitudinally along said second end member, and said second end
member includes a bottom wall disposed transverse to said
longitudinal axis with said outer side wall and said bottom wall at
least partially defining said end member chamber, and said first
volume-displacing body disposed in abutting engagement with at
least one of said outer side wall and said bottom wall.
6. A gas spring assembly according to claim 1, wherein said
volume-displacing body is at least partially formed from a
closed-cell polymeric foam material.
7. A gas spring assembly according to claim 1, wherein said
volume-displacing body is at least partially formed from an
open-cell polymeric foam material.
8. A gas spring assembly according to claim 7, wherein said
volume-displacing body includes a coating extending along at least
a portion of said open-cell polymeric foam material of said
volume-displacing body.
9. A gas spring assembly according to claim 8, wherein said coating
is formed from a polymeric material that is different from said
open cell polymeric foam material and provides at least one of
structure to said volume-displacing body, reduced permeability of
pressured gas, and protection along at least one surface of said
volume-displacing body.
10. A gas spring assembly according to claim 1, wherein said
support wall is one of permanently affixed to said second end
member, removably secured to said second end member and at least
partially formed from a degradable material.
11. A gas spring assembly according to claim 1, wherein said
flexible wall is one of a convoluted-style including one or more
convolutions disposed between said first and second end members and
a rolling lobe-style that forms a rolling lobe along said second
end member.
12. A gas spring assembly displaceable between an extended
condition and a compressed condition, said gas spring assembly
comprising: a first end member; a second end member spaced from
said first end member such that a longitudinal axis extends
therebetween with one of said first and second end members
including an opening extending therethrough and having a
cross-sectional dimension; a flexible wall secured between said
first and second end members and at least partially defining a
spring chamber; a support wall secured along said first end member
that at least partially defines a cavity; and, a volume-displacing
body disposed within said spring chamber and secured to one of said
first end member and said flexible wall such that said body remains
in spaced relation to at least said second end member in said
compressed condition of said gas spring assembly, said
volume-displacing body being at least partially formed from a
flowable polymeric material introduced into said spring chamber
through said opening such that said volume-displacing body is at
least partially disposed within said cavity, and such that in a
cured condition said volume-displacing body has a cross-sectional
dimension that is greater than said cross-sectional dimension of
said opening.
13. A gas spring assembly according to claim 12, wherein said
support wall is one of permanently affixed to said first end
member, removably secured to said first end member and at least
partially formed from a degradable material.
14. A gas spring assembly according to claim 12, wherein said
flexible wall is one of a convoluted-style including one or more
convolutions disposed between said first and second end members and
a rolling lobe-style that forms a rolling lobe along one of said
first and second end members.
15. A gas spring assembly according to claim 12, wherein said
volume-displacing body is at least partially formed from a
closed-cell polymeric foam material.
16. A gas spring assembly according to claim 12, wherein said
volume-displacing body is at least partially formed from an
open-cell polymeric foam material.
17. A gas spring assembly according to claim 16, wherein said
volume-displacing body includes a coating extending along at least
a portion of said open-cell polymeric foam material.
18. A gas spring assembly according to claim 17, wherein said
coating is formed from a polymeric material that is different from
said open cell polymeric foam material and provides at least one of
structure to said volume-displacing body, reduced permeability of
pressured gas, and protection along at least one surface of said
volume-displacing body.
19. A gas spring assembly according to claim 12, wherein said
volume-displacing body is a first volume-displacing body, and said
gas spring assembly further comprises a second volume-displacing
body secured along said flexible wall.
20. A gas spring assembly according to claim 19, wherein said
support wall is a first support wall, and said gas spring assembly
further comprises a second support wall secured to said flexible
wall with said second volume-displacing body disposed in abutting
engagement with at least one of said second support wall and said
flexible wall.
Description
BACKGROUND
The subject matter of the present disclosure broadly relates to the
art of gas spring devices and, more particularly, to a gas spring
assembly including an element for reducing gas spring volume to
adjust performance characteristics of the gas spring assembly. Such
a gas spring assembly can be included in or otherwise form a part
of a suspension system. A method of adjusting a performance
characteristic of a gas spring assembly is also included.
The subject matter of the present disclosure may find particular
application and use in conjunction with components for wheeled
vehicles, and will be shown and described herein with reference
thereto. However, it is to be appreciated that the subject matter
of the present disclosure is also amenable to use in other
applications and environments, and that the specific uses shown and
described herein are merely exemplary. For example, the subject
matter of the present disclosure could be used in connection with
gas spring assemblies of non-wheeled vehicles, support structures,
height adjusting systems and actuators associated with industrial
machinery, components thereof and/or other such equipment.
Accordingly, the subject matter of the present disclosure is not
intended to be limited to use associated with gas spring suspension
systems of wheeled vehicles.
Wheeled motor vehicles of most types and kinds include a sprung
mass, such as a body or chassis, for example, and an unsprung mass,
such as two or more axles or other wheel-engaging members, for
example, with a suspension system disposed therebetween. Typically,
a suspension system will include a plurality of spring devices as
well as a plurality of damping devices that together permit the
sprung and unsprung masses of the vehicle to move in a somewhat
controlled manner relative to one another. Movement of the sprung
and unsprung masses toward one another is normally referred to in
the art as jounce motion while movement of the sprung and unsprung
masses away from one another is commonly referred to in the art as
rebound motion.
As is well known, it is possible to vary the spring rate of a gas
spring assembly, by increasing or decreasing the volume of
pressurized gas operatively associated with the spring chamber of
the gas spring assembly. In some cases, this is done by including
an additional chamber, cavity or volume of pressurized gas in fluid
communication with the spring chamber of the gas spring assembly,
which can thereby alter one or more performance characteristics of
the gas spring assembly. In other cases, additional component parts
can be included within the spring chamber and can be secured on or
along an end member of the gas spring assembly. One example of such
a component is a jounce bumper. It will be appreciated that such
component parts can reduce the volume of pressurized gas within the
gas spring chamber and thereby alter one or more performance
characteristics of the gas spring assembly.
Notwithstanding the wide usage and overall success of such known
designs, it is believed to be generally desirable to develop new
constructions and/or designs that may advance the art of gas spring
devices.
BRIEF SUMMARY
One example of a gas spring assembly in accordance with the subject
matter of the present disclosure can be displaceable between an
extended condition and a compressed condition. The gas spring
assembly can include a first end member, a second end member that
is spaced from the first end member such that a longitudinal axis
extends therebetween. The flexible wall can be secured between the
first and second end members and can at least partially define a
spring chamber. The volume-displacing body can be disposed within
the spring chamber and can be secured to one of the first end
member and the flexible wall such that the body remains in spaced
relation to at least the second end member in a compressed
condition of the gas spring assembly.
One example of a method of adjusting a gas spring assembly in
accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure can
include providing a gas spring assembly that includes a spring
chamber capable of containing a first volume of gas at a gas
pressure. The method can also include introducing a
volume-displacing body into the spring chamber such that the spring
chamber is capable of containing a second volume of gas at the gas
pressure with the second volume of gas being less than the first
volume of gas.
One example of a method of assembling a gas spring assembly in
accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure can
include providing a first end member, a second end member and a
flexible wall with one of the first end member and the second end
member including an opening formed therethrough. The method can
also include securing the flexible wall between the first and
second end members such that a spring chamber is at least partially
defined therebetween. The method can further include introducing a
first quantity of flowable polymeric material into the spring
chamber through the opening and depositing the first quantity of
flowable polymeric material on or along at least one of the first
end member and the flexible wall.
In some cases, a method according to the foregoing paragraph can
include securing the flowable polymeric material into a
volume-displacing body secured along one of the first end member
and the flexible wall.
Additionally, in some cases, a method according to either of the
two foregoing paragraphs can include securing a support wall along
one of the first end member and the flexible wall, and depositing
the quantity of flowable polymeric material on or along at least a
portion of the support wall.
Furthermore, in some cases, a method according to any of the three
foregoing paragraphs can include depositing a second quantity of
flowable polymeric material on or along at least one of the first
quantity of flowable polymeric material and a surface of the
volume-displacing body.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of one example of a suspension
system of an associated vehicle including gas spring assemblies in
accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure.
FIG. 2 is a side view of one example of a gas spring assembly in
accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of the gas spring assembly in
FIG. 2 taken from along line 3-3 therein.
FIG. 4 is a top plan view of another example of a gas spring
assembly in accordance with the subject matter of the present
disclosure.
FIG. 5 is a side view of the gas spring assembly in FIG. 4.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of the gas spring assembly in
FIGS. 4 and 5 taken from along line 6-6 in FIG. 4.
FIG. 7 is a graphical representation of one example of a method of
adjusting a gas spring assembly in accordance with the subject
matter of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Turning now to the drawings, wherein the showings illustrate
examples of the subject matter of the present disclosure and which
are not intended to be limiting, FIG. 1 illustrates one example of
a suspension system 100 disposed between a sprung mass, such as an
associated vehicle body BDY, for example, and an unsprung mass,
such as an associated wheel WHL or an associated axle AXL, for
example, of an associated vehicle VHC. It will be appreciated that
any one or more of the components of the suspension system can be
operatively connected between the sprung and unsprung masses of the
associated vehicle in any suitable manner. Additionally, it will
also be appreciated that such a suspension system of the vehicle
can also optionally include a plurality of damping members, such as
dampers DMP, for example, and that any such damping members can
also be operatively connected between the sprung and unsprung
masses of the associated vehicle in any suitable manner.
The suspension system can also include a plurality of gas spring
assemblies supported between the sprung and unsprung masses of the
associated vehicle. In the arrangement shown in FIG. 1, suspension
system 100 includes four gas spring assemblies 102, one of which is
disposed toward each corner of the associated vehicle adjacent a
corresponding wheel WHL. However, it will be appreciated that any
other suitable number of gas spring assemblies could alternately be
used in any other configuration or arrangement. As shown in FIG. 1,
gas spring assemblies 102 are supported between axles AXL and body
BDY of associated vehicle VHC. Additionally, it will be recognized
that the gas spring assemblies shown and described in FIG. 1 (e.g.,
gas spring assemblies 102) are illustrated as being of a rolling
lobe-type construction. It is to be understood, however, that gas
spring assemblies of any other type, kind and/or construction could
alternately be used.
Suspension system 100 also includes a pressurized gas system 104
operatively associated with the gas spring assemblies for
selectively supplying pressurized gas (e.g., air) thereto and
selectively transferring pressurized gas therefrom. In the
exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, pressurized gas system 104
includes a pressurized gas source, such as a compressor 106, for
example, for generating pressurized air or other gases. A control
device, such as a valve assembly 108, for example, is shown as
being in communication with compressor 106 and can be of any
suitable configuration or arrangement. In the exemplary embodiment
shown, valve assembly 108 includes a valve block 110 with a
plurality of valves 112 supported thereon. Valve assembly 108 can
also optionally include a suitable exhaust, such as a muffler 114,
for example, for venting pressurized gas from the system.
Optionally, pressurized gas system 104 can also include a reservoir
116 in fluid communication with the compressor and/or valve
assembly 108 and suitable for storing pressurized gas.
Valve assembly 108 is in communication with gas spring assemblies
102 through suitable gas transfer lines 118. As such, pressurized
gas can be selectively transferred into and/or out of the gas
spring assemblies through valve assembly 108 by selectively
operating valves 112, such as to alter or maintain vehicle height
at one or more corners of the vehicle, for example.
Suspension system 100 can also include a control system 120 that is
capable of communication with any one or more systems and/or
components (not shown) of vehicle VHC and/or suspension system 100,
such as for selective operation and/or control thereof. Control
system 120 can include a controller or electronic control unit
(ECU) 122 communicatively coupled with compressor 106 and/or valve
assembly 108, such as through a conductor or lead 124, for example,
for selective operation and control thereof, which can include
supplying and exhausting pressurized gas to and/or from gas spring
assemblies 102. Controller 122 can be of any suitable type, kind
and/or configuration.
Control system 120 can also, optionally, include one or more height
(or distance) sensing devices (not shown in FIG. 1), such as, for
example, may be operatively associated with the gas spring
assemblies and capable of outputting or otherwise generating data,
signals and/or other communications having a relation to a height
of the gas spring assemblies or a distance between other components
of the vehicle. Such height sensing devices can be in communication
with ECU 122, which can receive the height or distance signals
therefrom. The height sensing devices can be in communication with
ECU 122 in any suitable manner, such as through conductors or leads
126, for example. Additionally, it will be appreciated that the
height sensing devices can be of any suitable type, kind and/or
construction.
One example of a gas spring assembly 200 is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3
as having a longitudinally-extending axis AX (FIG. 3) and can
include one or more end members, such as an end member 202 and an
end member 204 that is spaced longitudinally from end member 202. A
flexible wall 206 can extend peripherally around axis AX and can be
secured between the end members in a substantially fluid-tight
manner such that a spring chamber 208 (FIG. 3) is at least
partially defined therebetween.
Gas spring assembly 200 can be disposed between associated sprung
and unsprung masses of an associated vehicle in any suitable
manner. For example, one end member can be operatively connected to
the associated sprung mass with the other end member disposed
toward and operatively connected to the associated unsprung mass.
In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, for example, end member
202 is secured along a first or upper structural component USC,
such as associated vehicle body BDY in FIG. 1, for example, and can
be secured thereon in any suitable manner. For example, one or more
securement devices, such as mounting studs 210, for example, can be
included along end member 202. In some cases, the one or more
securement devices (e.g., mounting studs 210) can project outwardly
from end member 202 and can be secured thereon in a suitable
manner, such as, for example, by way of a flowed-material joint
(not shown) or a press-fit connection (not identified).
Additionally, such one or more securement devices can extend
through mounting holes HLS in upper structural component USC and
receive one or more threaded nuts or other securement devices (not
shown), for example. As an alternative to one or more of mounting
studs 210, one or more threaded passages (e.g., blind passages
and/or through passages) could be used in conjunction with a
corresponding number of one or more threaded fasteners.
Additionally, a fluid communication port, such as a transfer
passage 212 (FIG. 3), for example, can optionally be provided to
permit fluid communication with spring chamber 208, such as may be
used for transferring pressurized gas into and/or out of the spring
chamber, for example. In the exemplary embodiment shown, transfer
passage 212 extends through at least one of mounting studs 210 and
is in fluid communication with spring chamber 208. It will be
appreciated, however, that any other suitable fluid communication
arrangement could alternately be used.
End member 204 can be secured along a second or lower structural
component LSC, such as an axle AXL in FIG. 1, for example, in any
suitable manner. As one example, lower structural component LSC
could include one or more mounting holes HLS extending
therethrough. In such case, a mounting stud 214 could be
operatively connected to end member 204 and could extend through
one of mounting holes HLS to receive a corresponding threaded nut
216, for example.
It will be appreciated that the one or more end members can be of
any suitable type, kind, construction and/or configuration, and can
be operatively connected or otherwise secured to the flexible wall
in any suitable manner. In the exemplary arrangement shown in FIGS.
2 and 3, for example, end member 202 is of a type commonly referred
to as a bead plate that is secured to a first end 218 of flexible
wall 206 using a crimped-edge connection 220. End member 204 is
shown in the exemplary arrangement in FIGS. 2 and 3 as being of a
type commonly referred to as a piston (or a roll-off piston) that
has an outer side surface 222 that abuttingly engages flexible wall
206 such that a rolling lobe 224 is formed therealong. As gas
spring assembly 200 is displaced between extended and collapsed
conditions, rolling lobe 224 is displaced along outer side surface
222 in a conventional manner.
As identified in FIG. 3, end member 204 extends generally between a
first or upper end 226 and a second or lower end 228. End member
204 can include an outer side wall 230 and an end wall 232 with the
outer side wall at least partially defining outer side surface 222
and with the end wall disposed along end 226 and generally
transverse to at least one of axis AX and outer side wall 230. One
example of a connection between the flexible wall and the end
member is shown in FIG. 3 in which an inner side wall 234 can
extend longitudinally outwardly from end wall 232 in a direction
away from end 228. Flexible wall 206 can include a second end 236
that is received along inner side wall 234 such that a
substantially fluid-tight seal is formed therebetween. It is to be
understood, however, that the arrangement shown and described is
merely exemplary and that any other suitable construction and/or
configuration can alternately be used.
End member 204 can also include a bottom wall 238 that is disposed
along end 228 of the end member and can be secured on or along
outer side wall 230 in any manner suitable for forming a
substantially fluid-tight connection, such as by using a
flowed-material joint 240, for example. In some cases, mounting
stud 214 can be operatively connected to bottom wall 238 in a
manner suitable for forming a substantially fluid-tight seal
therewith, such as by using a flowed-material joint 242, for
example. Additionally, end member 204 can, optionally, include a
chamber 244 that is at least partially formed therein and in fluid
communication with spring chamber 208. In the exemplary arrangement
shown, chamber 244 is at least partially defined by outer side wall
230, end wall 232, inner side wall 234 and bottom wall 238.
A height or distance sensing device 246 is, optionally, shown in
FIGS. 2 and 3 as being disposed within spring chamber 208 along end
member 202 and being secured thereto using suitable fasteners 248.
Height sensing device 246 can be of any suitable type, kind and/or
construction, such as an ultrasonic sensor that transmits and
receives ultrasonic waves WVS (FIG. 3), for example. Additionally,
it will be appreciated that height sensing device 246 can be
connected to other systems and/or components of a vehicle
suspension system in any suitable manner. As shown in FIGS. 2 and
3, height sensing device 246 includes a lead or connection 250 that
can be used for such communication purposes, such as is indicated
by leads 126 of control system 120 in FIG. 1, for example.
A gas spring assembly in accordance with the subject matter of the
present disclosure, such as gas spring assembly 200, for example,
can include on or more volume-displacing bodies disposed within the
gas spring assembly. In the arrangement shown in FIG. 3, for
example, gas spring assembly 200 includes a body 252 disposed
within chamber 244 and in abutting engagement with outer side wall
230 and bottom wall 238 along end 228 of end member 204. In some
cases, body 252 can be formed from substantially rigid polymeric
foam material, and can be of a closed-cell type foam to provide
reduced permeability of the pressurized gas within chambers 208 and
244. Alternately, an open-cell foam can be used. In either case, a
skin or coating 254 can, optionally, extend across at least a
portion of body 252, such as to provide structure to the
volume-displacing body, to limit permeability and/or to protect the
volume-displacing body.
Additionally, or in the alternative, a body 256 can be provided on
or along a flexible wall of the gas spring assembly, such as along
flexible wall 206, for example. As discussed above, body 256 can,
optionally, include a skin or coating 258 disposed along one or
more surfaces thereof. Body 256 can be supported on the flexible
wall in any suitable manner, such as by abuttingly engaging a
support structure 260 that is operatively secured to the flexible
wall, such as by way of a crimp ring 262, for example. It will be
appreciated, however, that other arrangements could alternately be
used.
Another example of a gas spring assembly 300 is shown in FIGS. 4-6
as having a longitudinally-extending axis AX, and can include one
or more end members, such as an end member 302 and an end member
304 that is spaced longitudinally from end member 302. A flexible
wall 306 can extend peripherally around axis AX and can be secured
between the end members in a substantially fluid-tight manner such
that a spring chamber 308 (FIG. 6) is at least partially defined
therebetween.
Gas spring assembly 300 can be disposed between associated sprung
and unsprung masses of an associated vehicle in any suitable
manner. For example, one end member can be operatively connected to
the associated sprung mass with the other end member disposed
toward and operatively connected to the associated unsprung mass.
As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, for example, end member 302 is secured
along a first or upper structural component USC, such as associated
vehicle body BDY in FIG. 1, for example, and can be secured thereon
in any suitable manner. For example, one or more securement
devices, such as mounting studs 310, for example, can be included
along end member 302. In some cases, the one or more securement
devices (e.g., mounting studs 310) can project outwardly from end
member 302 and can be secured thereon in a suitable manner, such
as, for example, by way of a flowed-material joint (not shown) or a
press-fit connection (not identified). Additionally, such one or
more securement devices can extend through mounting holes HLS in
upper structural component USC and receive one or more threaded
nuts or other securement devices (not shown), for example.
Additionally, one or more gas transfer ports can optionally be
provided to permit fluid communication with spring chamber 308,
such as may be used for transferring pressurized gas into and/or
out of the spring chamber. For example, a connection can be
provided on or along one of the end members (e.g., end member 302)
such as may be used for attachment of a gas transfer line (e.g.,
one of gas transfer lines 118 in FIG. 1). In the exemplary
arrangement shown in FIGS. 4-6, a connector fitting 312 is provided
on or along one of the end members (e.g., end member 302) such as
may be used for attachment of one of gas transfer lines 118 in FIG.
1, for example, and can include a passage 314 extending through the
end member in fluid communication with spring chamber 308.
End member 304 can be secured along a second or lower structural
component LSC, such as an axle AXL in FIG. 1, for example, in any
suitable manner. As one example, lower structural component LSC
could include one or more mounting holes HLS extending
therethrough. One or more securement devices, such as mounting
studs 316, for example, can be included along end member 304. In
some cases, the one or more securement devices (e.g., mounting
studs 316) can project outwardly from end member 304 and can be
secured thereon in a suitable manner, such as, for example, by way
of a flowed-material joint (not shown) or a press-fit connection
(not identified). Additionally, such one or more securement devices
can extend through mounting holes HLS in lower structural component
USC and receive one or more threaded nuts or other securement
devices (not shown), for example. As an alternative to one or more
of mounting studs 310 and/or 316, one or more threaded passages
(e.g., blind passages and/or through passages) could be used in
conjunction with a corresponding number of one or more threaded
fasteners.
It will be appreciated that the one or more end members can be of
any suitable type, kind, construction and/or configuration, and can
be operatively connected or otherwise secured to the flexible wall
in any suitable manner. In the exemplary arrangement shown in FIGS.
4-6, for example, end members 302 and 304 are of a type commonly
referred to as a bead plate. End member 302 is shown as being
secured to a first end 318 of flexible wall 306 using a
crimped-edge connection in which an outer peripheral edge 320 of
the end member is crimped or otherwise deformed about a portion of
first end 318 of flexible wall 306 such that a substantially
fluid-tight seal is formed therebetween. Similarly, end member 304
is shown as being secured to a second end 322 of flexible wall 306
using a crimped-edge connection in which an outer peripheral edge
324 of the end member is crimped or otherwise deformed about a
portion of second end 322 of flexible wall 306 such that a
substantially fluid-tight seal is formed therebetween.
Gas spring assembly 300 is shown as being of a type commonly
referred to as a convoluted or bellows-type construction, and it
will be appreciated that any suitable type or kind of convoluted
spring construction can be used. As such, the flexible wall of the
gas spring assembly can have any suitable number of one or more
convoluted wall portions disposed between the opposing end members.
In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 4-6, flexible wall 306
includes a girdle hoop 326 (FIG. 6) disposed approximately midway
along the flexible wall. A convoluted wall portion 328 extends
between the girdle hoop and end member 302, and a convoluted wall
portion 330 extends between the girdle hoop and end member 304.
A gas spring assembly in accordance with the subject matter of the
present disclosure, such as gas spring assembly 300, for example,
can include one or more volume-displacing bodies disposed within
the gas spring assembly. In the arrangement shown in FIG. 6, for
example, gas spring assembly 300 includes a body 332 disposed
within spring chamber 308 and in abutting engagement with end
member 304. In some cases, body 332 can be formed from
substantially rigid polymeric foam material, and can be of a
closed-cell type foam to provide reduced permeability of the
pressurized gas within spring chamber 308. Alternately, an
open-cell foam can be used. In either case, a skin or coating 334
can, optionally, extend along or across one or more surfaces of
body 332, such as to provide structure to the volume-reducing body,
to limit permeability and/or to protect the volume-reducing body.
Additionally, in some cases, a form or other external structure can
be included within the spring chamber prior to introduction of the
component materials that form the volume-displacing body, such as
to assist in establishing the size, shape and/or configuration of
the body prior to and during the curing process. Such a form or
external structure is represented in FIG. 6 by dashed lines 336,
which can represent forms or structures that are removable,
degradable or permanently included within the spring chamber.
It will be appreciated that conventional jounce bumpers and other
such components that may, in some cases, be formed from or
otherwise include a elastomeric foam material. Importantly,
however, non-metallic bodies in accordance with the subject matter
of the present disclosure, such as bodies 252, 256 and/or 332, for
example, differ from conventional jounce bumpers and other such
components in several respects. For example, known jounce bumpers
are pre-constructed and assembled into the gas spring assembly
prior to securing at least one of the end members to the flexible
wall. It should be recognized that gas spring assemblies are
typically permanently assembled in a manner that prevents
disassembly without destruction of one or more of the component
parts of the gas spring assembly. As such, known jounce bumpers
cannot be used to alter the volume of the spring chamber of a gas
spring assembly once assembled. Whereas, a non-metallic,
volume-displacing body in accordance with the subject matter of the
present disclosure can be formed inside a gas spring assembly in an
assembled condition to thereby vary, alter or otherwise adjust the
volume of the spring chamber and/or one or more performance
characteristics of the gas spring assembly.
Additionally, it will be appreciated that gas spring assemblies are
displaced during use between an extended condition and a compressed
condition. Generally, conventional jounce bumpers are supported on
one end member and dimensioned to abuttingly engage the opposing
end member in a compressed condition of the gas spring assembly. In
this manner, conventional jounce bumper assemblies can inhibit
contact between the opposing end members under jounce (i.e.,
compressed) conditions of the gas spring assembly. By contrast,
non-metallic, volume-displacing bodies in accordance with the
subject matter of the present disclosure, such as bodies 252, 256
and/or 332, for example, differ from conventional jounce bumpers in
that such non-metallic bodies can be supported within the spring
chamber of a gas spring assembly such that the non-metallic bodies
are maintained in spaced relation to at least one of the end
members of the gas spring assembly in compressed conditions
thereof.
One example of such a construction is schematically represented in
FIG. 3 in which a jounce bumper 264 of a conventional construction
is supported on end member 202 and includes a distal surface 266
that can abuttingly engage end member 204 under compressed
conditions of gas spring assembly 200. It will be recognized and
appreciated that under such compressed conditions, body 252 would
be disposed and would remain in spaced relation to end member 202.
Additionally, or in the alternative, body 256 would be disposed and
would remain in spaced relation to at least one of end members 202
and 204 under compressed conditions of the gas spring assembly.
One example of a method 400 of adjusting one or more performance
characteristics (e.g., spring rate) of a gas spring assembly is
graphically represented in FIG. 7. Method 400 can include providing
a first end member (e.g., one of end members 202, 204, 302 and 304)
and providing a second member (e.g., a different one of end members
202, 204, 302 and 304), as is represented by item numbers 402 and
404, respectively. Method 400 can also include providing a flexible
wall (e.g. one of flexible walls 206 and 306) and securing the
flexible wall to the first and second end members such that a
spring chamber (e.g. spring chamber 208 or 308) is at least
partially defined therebetween, as is represented by item numbers
406 and 408, respectively.
Method 400 can also include introducing a volume-displacing body
(e.g., one or more of bodies 252, 256 and/or 332) into the spring
chamber of a gas spring assembly, as is represented in FIG. 7 by
item number 410. In some cases, the action of introducing a
volume-displacing body of method 400 can include depositing a
quantity of flowable material into the spring chamber in an
assembled condition of the gas spring assembly, as is represented
by item number 412. In such cases, method 400 can include curing or
otherwise converting the quantity of flowable material into a
unitary body, as is represented by item number 414. In some cases,
method 400 can include providing a support wall or structure on,
along or within which the quantity of flowable material can be
deposited or otherwise introduced, as is represented by item number
416.
Thus, it will be appreciated that one method of tuning or otherwise
adjusting a gas spring assembly is to add or subtract internal
volume to affect the dynamic pressures which govern the spring
rate. The subject matter of the present disclosure involves a gas
spring assembly with a generally maximized internal volume. In
order to provide a gas spring assembly with a reduced gas volume,
such as may be desirable to provide a certain associated spring
rate, for example, a flowable material, such as a foamable
polymeric fluid, for example, can be introduced, deposited or
otherwise applied inside the internal volume of the gas spring
assembly (e.g., within the spring chamber and/or piston chamber).
In a preferred arrangement, the flowable material can be allowed to
expand and cure according to a pre-established expansion ratio,
such that a predetermined amount of volume within the spring
chamber is displaced in a relatively permanent manner. In an
expanded, cured or otherwise non-flowing state, a volume-displacing
body will, preferably, not interfere with the operation of the gas
spring assembly or any internal components thereof, such as the
operation of a jounce bumper and/or internal damper, for example.
In some cases, a permanent, degradable or removable form could be
included within the gas spring assembly, such as to control the
geometry and/or size of the volume-displacing body, as needed.
Thus, several gas spring designs could be rapidly obtained with a
minimum number of different components.
It will be appreciated that any suitable type or kind of
non-metallic material could be used, such as a flowable polymeric
material, for example. In a preferred arrangement, a foamable
polymeric material that forms a closed-cell foam could be used,
such as to reduce pressurized gas absorption. In other cases, a
foamable polymeric material that forms an open-cell foam could be
used together with a coating, such as a resin, for example, that
could be applied to the foam to provide structure, limit
permeability and/or provide added protection to the
volume-displacing body. Polymeric foam materials such as, but not
limited to, polystyrene and polyurethane could be applied with a
foaming device, or after mixing two or more reaction components.
Additionally, it will be appreciated that the flowable polymeric
material can be introduced or otherwise applied to one or more
components prior to the full assembly of the gas spring assembly.
For example, polymeric foam material could be applied to a
component (e.g., one of end members 202, 204, 302 and/or 304) prior
to attachment to the flexible wall. Alternately, flowable material
could be introduced, deposited or otherwise applied one or along a
component in an assembled condition of the gas spring assembly,
such as through an passage or port, for example.
Reaction components and/or other foam materials can be introduced
into the gas spring assembly in any suitable manner. As one example
one or more packets, each containing a quantity of a reaction
component, could be introduced into the gas spring assembly. As
another example, one or more packets that each contains a quantity
of two or more reaction components in segregated compartments could
be introduced into the gas spring assembly. In either case, upon
the intentional disruption of the one or more packets and/or the
one or more compartments thereof, such as by crushing, heating or
any other suitable manner, the components would be allowed to mix
with air or one or more of the other components. As a result, a
foam body having a predetermined volume corresponding to the
quantities of components can be formed, such as while conforming to
a shape, form and/or portion of the gas spring assembly or a
component thereof.
Additionally, in some cases, the volume-displacing body could
perform one or more additional functions within the gas spring
assembly. For example, a body formed from a material of suitable
strength or rigidity could be included within the gas spring
assembly and could operate as a jounce bumper, an emergency stop or
a mounting element. In other cases, however, that in other cases
the volume-displacing body can be maintained in spaced relation to
at least one of the end members in a jounce (i.e., compressed)
condition of the gas spring assembly.
It will be recognized and appreciated that a gas spring assembly in
accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure, such
as, for example, have been shown and described herein as gas spring
assemblies 102, 200 and/or 300, can be used in connection with a
suspension system, such as suspension system 100, for example. It
is to be understood that the subject matter of the present
disclosure is intended to encompass any and all combinations of the
different features, components, assemblies and/or systems that are
shown and described herein, and, without limitation, that any
suitable arrangement of features, components, assemblies and/or
systems, in any combination, can be used.
As used herein with reference to certain features, elements,
components and/or structures, numerical ordinals (e.g., first,
second, third, fourth, etc.) may be used to denote different
singles of a plurality or otherwise identify certain features,
elements, components and/or structures, and do not imply any order
or sequence unless specifically defined by the claim language.
Additionally, the terms "transverse," and the like, are to be
broadly interpreted. As such, the terms "transverse," and the like,
can include a wide range of relative angular orientations that
include, but are not limited to, an approximately perpendicular
angular orientation. Also, the terms "circumferential,"
"circumferentially," and the like, are to be broadly interpreted
and can include, but are not limited to circular shapes and/or
configurations. In this regard, the terms "circumferential,"
"circumferentially," and the like, can be synonymous with terms
such as "peripheral," "peripherally," and the like.
Furthermore, the phrase "flowed-material joint" and the like, if
used herein, are to be interpreted to include any joint or
connection in which a liquid or otherwise flowable material (e.g.,
a melted metal or combination of melted metals) is deposited or
otherwise presented between adjacent component parts and operative
to form a fixed and substantially fluid-tight connection
therebetween. Examples of processes that can be used to form such a
flowed-material joint include, without limitation, welding
processes, brazing processes and soldering processes. In such
cases, one or more metal materials and/or alloys can be used to
form such a flowed-material joint, in addition to any material from
the component parts themselves. Another example of a process that
can be used to form a flowed-material joint includes applying,
depositing or otherwise presenting an adhesive between adjacent
component parts that is operative to form a fixed and substantially
fluid-tight connection therebetween. In such case, it will be
appreciated that any suitable adhesive material or combination of
materials can be used, such as one-part and/or two-part epoxies,
for example.
Further still, the term "gas" is used herein to broadly refer to
any gaseous or vaporous fluid. Most commonly, air is used as the
working medium of gas spring devices, such as those described
herein, as well as suspension systems and other components thereof.
However, it will be understood that any suitable gaseous fluid
could alternately be used.
It will be recognized that numerous different features and/or
components are presented in the embodiments shown and described
herein, and that no one embodiment may be specifically shown and
described as including all such features and components. As such,
it is to be understood that the subject matter of the present
disclosure is intended to encompass any and all combinations of the
different features and components that are shown and described
herein, and, without limitation, that any suitable arrangement of
features and components, in any combination, can be used. Thus it
is to be distinctly understood claims directed to any such
combination of features and/or components, whether or not
specifically embodied herein, are intended to find support in the
present disclosure.
Thus, while the subject matter of the present disclosure has been
described with reference to the foregoing embodiments and
considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the structures and
structural interrelationships between the component parts of the
embodiments disclosed, it will be appreciated that other
embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the
embodiments illustrated and described without departing from the
principles hereof. Obviously, modifications and alterations will
occur to others upon reading and understanding the preceding
detailed description. Accordingly, it is to be distinctly
understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be
interpreted merely as illustrative of the subject matter of the
present disclosure and not as a limitation. As such, it is intended
that the subject matter of the present disclosure be construed as
including all such modifications and alterations.
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